Vaudreuil-Dorion bridge closed indefinitely

The Chemin des Chenaux Highway 40 overpass in Vaudreuil-Dorion has been closed indefinitely after a recent inspection by the Quebec Ministry of Transport found structural defects that called its safety into question.

In the course of a recent inspection, “defects affecting its bearing capacity” were noted by Transport Quebec officials, the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion noted on its website.

The bridge, which is subject to regular inspections, has been under load restriction since November of 2017.

The Chemin des Chenaux bridge was built in 1965. The overpass, which crosses Highway 40, is located just west of the Île aux Tourtes Bridge.

The Ministry of Transport said it will finalize a structural evaluation and determine the bearing capacity of the bridge. “Details of the required interventions will be announced in early October,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that it does not “hesitate to close the traffic on a structure if the safety of the users of the road is in question.”

It also noted that the safety of motorists on Highway 40 is “not compromised.”

Traffic will be detoured along other roads until the bridge is reopened.